Explosion and fire injuries in Lafayette can cause life-altering harm. Victims may become permanently scarred and disfigured, lose a limb or suffer paralysis. If someone else is responsible for what happened, it is vital you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to learn about legal options for compensation that may be available.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we understand that compensation cannot change what has happened. However, we do not believe that financial stress should be added to the physical and emotional trauma victims face after this type of injury.
Our Lafayette fire and explosion injury lawyers have been advocating for injured victims in Louisiana for more than 25 years. We have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your situation and determine who may be liable for your damages.
Wondering if you have a qualifying case? Many injury victims are unsure about this, which is why we offer a completely free initial consultation. We have staff available to take your call 24/7, so you can get answers to your questions at your convenience.
Where Do Explosions and Fires Occur in Lafayette?
Numerous injuries from explosions and fires in Lafayette may result from accidents on construction sites, petrochemical plants or other major industries in the area. However, individuals could also suffer burn injuries in their own homes, riding in their vehicles, or even in their backyards.
Some of the most common places fires and explosions may occur include:
On the Road
Sometimes faulty wiring in a vehicle can cause a fire to ignite a car. A rotted or leaking fuel line could cause a gas leak and result in a car fire or explosion. Electric car batteries have also been known to spontaneously combust and burst into flames that are difficult to put out.
At Home – Indoor and Outdoor Causes
There are a number of things that can lead to house fires and explosions, including:
- Gas leaks
- Faulty water heaters
- Cooking
- Children playing with matches or lighters
- Smokers falling asleep with cigarettes still burning
- Outdoor leaf burning
- Barbecue cook-outs gone wrong
- Improperly stored gas canisters or other flammable equipment
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Are Explosions and Fires Common in Lafayette Workplaces?
Lafayette has a large number of chemical and petrochemical plants, offshore oil and gas industries and other refineries – more than 150 of them. These plants are situated along the northern coastline of Lafayette, in the heart of Acadiana. Even though fire and explosion incidents may not happen often, the damage they inflict has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and other damages. This is especially true because of the large number of people employed by these companies.
Petrochemical Plant Explosions and Fires in Recent History
Even one explosion is too many, due to the toxic chemicals released into the air and the potential for catastrophic damages and injuries to workers and others in the surrounding communities. There have been a few plant explosions in and around Lafayette in recent years, including at:
- Multi-Chem Corp – June 15, 2011
- FlowChem Technologies – May 3, 2018
- Westlake Chemical Plant – September 28, 2021
- Westlake Chemical Plant Explosion – January 26, 2022
- Plaquemine Dow Chemical – July 15, 2023
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
What Are Some Common Causes of Workplace Explosions and Fires in Lafayette?
Determining the causes of explosion or fire incidents is of the utmost importance. When there are victims who need to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages and other losses, this is especially true.
Numerous elements can trigger explosion and fire accidents in Louisiana, such as:
- Defective or malfunctioning smoke detectors
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Pressurized containers
- Hazardous chemical leaks on a construction site
- Construction vehicles or other machinery catching fire
- Liquified petroleum gas
- Failure to properly maintain gas lines
- Improper chemical storage practices
- Defective propane tank functionality
- Welding mishaps or accidents
- Combustible chemicals
- Poor or ignored safety protocols
- Failure to implement an emergency plan
- Failure to provide sufficient safety training
- Human errors
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
How Do I Know if I Have an Explosion and Fire Injury Case?
Determining who may have a valid explosion and fire injury case involves looking at all of the contributing factors, and every case is unique.
In general, however, if an individual, company or third party was negligent in some way, and that negligence led to the accident and your injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
If eligible, there are multiple damages you may be able to recover, including compensation for:
- Current medical costs
- Emergency transportation after the initial accident
- Diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and more
- Surgeries that may be required
- Hospital stays
- Pain and suffering damages
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Rehabilitation or vocational training
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment
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Do Construction Workers Have a Higher Risk for Injuries from Explosions and Fires?
Construction work is another industry where there is a significantly higher risk of injuries caused by explosions and fires. This is primarily due to the type of work and the equipment that is often used. The substantial size and weight of the machines, vehicles and other equipment construction workers regularly use may also be a contributing factor.
Gas line ruptures or leaks also pose a significant danger for explosions. This could happen on a construction site if:
- A worker accidentally hits and breaches a pipe while digging or drilling
- Someone using a tool nearby sets off a spark and ignites flammable equipment or improperly stored chemicals
- Fuel line leaks in construction vehicles could also lead to a serious explosion
Whether at home or on the job, our legal team is prepared to meticulously investigate these incidents to help pinpoint the cause of an explosion, fire or other construction site burn injury. After gathering strong evidence, we work to build compelling and persuasive legal cases for our clients. Galloway Jefcoat attorneys fight tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligent actions.
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Are There Federal Safety Regulations Companies Must Follow?
There are strict federal laws these companies must follow. If an explosion or fire occurs, a thorough investigation of the accident scene will follow in order to identify potential safety violations. Federal law heavily regulates chemical plants and other industries. Employers and companies have strict requirements they are required to meet to help protect their employees, including:
- Setting up a fire safety protection program and adhering to it
- Placing fire-fighting equipment, such as water and fire extinguishers, in easy-to-locate locations
- Installing heat, light, and power equipment that meets or exceeds federal safety standards
- Implementing and enforcing smoking bans where it could initiate a fire hazard
- Getting proper approval for storing, handling, or using combustible materials, such as liquids, combustible chemicals or flammable gases.
- Properly storing gas-filled containers a minimum of 50 feet from buildings
- Ensuring the exhaust from certain types of equipment are stored or positioned away from flammable materials
Do I File for Workers’ Comp or a Personal Injury Claim After an Explosion and Fire Injury?
In Lafayette, if you are an employee and suffer explosion and fire injuries on the job, you will likely file for workers’ compensation. These benefits provide you with the support you need to recover and move forward.
In Lafayette, following a workplace accident, your workers’ compensation benefits may provide for:
- Medical Treatment: Coverage for essential medical treatments related to workplace injuries
- Temporary Disability Support: Compensation to help replace lost wages while you are unable to work
- Permanent Partial Disability Assistance: Additional compensation for a permanent partial disability based on the specific body part affected
- Permanent Total Disability Coverage: If you sustained a permanent total disability, you may be eligible for additional compensation even when additional medical treatment is not likely to improve your condition.
- Education or Vocational Rehabilitation: If your workplace injury requires a transition to a new line of work, you may be eligible to receive support for education or vocational training.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Explosions and Fire Injuries in Lafayette
Most of the time, workers injured in an explosion or fire may be eligible only for workers’ compensation. However, there are specific situations where a worker may be able to file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit. For instance, if a third party’s negligence contributed to the accident that caused your injuries.
Galloway Jefcoat is dedicated to protecting your rights. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Lafayette are prepared to fully investigate all potentially liable parties to help you seek full and fair compensation. We are also prepared to guide you through the process of accessing your benefits as quickly as possible.
Whether you need to seek compensation through a workers’ comp claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit, we have the staff and resources to help.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations
It is vital that you do not delay calling an attorney after an accident that causes you harm. Louisiana has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country, providing just one year from the date of an injury to file a lawsuit.
What Injuries May Result From Explosions and Fire?
There are many devastating injuries that can occur as a result of an explosion or fire in the workplace. These injuries could include severe life-altering damages, such as:
- Lung damage from inhaling smoke or chemicals
- Fractured limbs
- Burn injuries, including serious third and fourth-degree burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Nerve damage
- Toxic exposure
- Organ damage
- Brain injuries
- Cancer
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Death
Need Legal Help for Your Explosion and Fire Injuries? Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today
At Galloway Jefcoat, our legal team has extensive knowledge of state and federal laws. We know how best to apply those laws to ensure the protection of your legal rights and best interests.
We have a long history of proven results. If we are not able to reach a satisfactory settlement, we are also prepared to go to trial on your behalf.
Founding partner and attorney Rusty Galloway has personally managed thousands of personal injury cases. He is meticulous and has a reputation for obtaining maximum recoveries for his clients and providing them with unwavering support.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
